Who Suki? It is my pleasure to introduce ...

Suki Kabuki Tuki Tuki

This 10-lb, one-eyed Shih Tzu came into my life about 4 years ago courtesy of Furbaby Rescue in Blaine WA. When I first saw her on their website she had just gone through surgery and the removal of her eye. She was grotesque looking, with the white plastic collar to keep her from scratching the wound. Suki's owner had died and the lady's children inherited the dog, but they wanted it put down because they didn't want to pay the surgeon's bill. I could not resist. This first photograph is how she looked just 3 months or less after the surgery. The second photograph is how Suki looks today.

She has graciously provided me with years of levity and constant companionship, she doesn't complain about my snoring, and loves me unconditionally. Well, she does insist on frequent games of "go fetch." She is quite the consummate Human Whisperer and has me trained pretty darned well, let me tell ya! So, I'll definitely only consider a new home that would

welcome my 4-legged 1-eyed companion.

Suki is a major player in the life and moves of Birch Bay Kay. Hmmm, if I move away from Birch Bay can I still lay claim to Birch Bay Kay?

Stay tuned ...

In the beginning ...

Yesterday I received a letter from the couple whose abode I’ve been renting for the last five years, giving me official notice to vacate in 60 days. Their daughter is moving back to WA from CA and she wants her house. YIKES!

I live in the perfect spot; 1100-sq ft, private, single-level nestled in pines and cedar, tucked back to a secluded duck pond. I’m a 5-minute walk—with Suki, of course—to the beach at Birch Bay.

There is enough space between trees for sunlight to warm the cockles of my heart. Suki and I have been very happy here, with room for all my hobbies.

Having grown up as an Air Force brat, and then marrying (2x) Air Force men, I’ve lived in a lot of different homes in a number of locations. As I think back about each and every one of them, other than a fabulous old vintage home in Smyrna, Tennessee when I was about 6 years old, this home in Birch Bay has been the nicest of any in which I’ve lived.

Here I am, having to move again. Always one to see the silver lining to a situation, once I eased through the shock and the distress of the first 24 hours, I decided I’m going to chronicle this move.

I think writing about it might help ease the distress.

Anyway, I thought I would start this moving ordeal with how I came to be here in the first place. The beginning is often a very good place to start, n’cest ce pas?

In 2003 I quit a fabulous job in the corporation offices of ESRI, cashed in my 401K, sold my humble home, put EVERYTHING in storage in CA, and in October kissed and bid adieu to my grown sons, family, friends and close acquaintances and I hopped into my Miata and drove up to Bellingham, WA. I had twice visited there very briefly and assessed that it was a university town, on the water, had cultural events that seemed interesting, why not.

I looked at available places and nothing really “spoke” to me. Since I moved up here because some small still voice whispered “Go!” I was waiting for further input. I had rental check in hand for a condo that didn’t have a garage, nor enough room for my stuff, but it was the only thing available in my price range. Don’t you just hate being limited by money?!!!

As I drove to the property management office, the voice said, “Go see the Birch Bay home.”

I had already been to Birch Bay and decided it was too far out of town.

“Just go see it.”

I got on the freeway and then talked myself out of it, and headed back toward the property management office.

“Oh, come on, Kay! Just go look at it. You can always come back and take the condo. Just look at it.”

I reluctantly got back on the freeway, headed out to Birch Bay.

I walked into this home and I KNEW INSTANTLY that it was perfect for what I needed! Perfect!!!!! I’ve been here five happy, eventful years.

And I received nary an, “I told you so.”

This moving tale continues ...

Just a lazy bay day ...

I'm supposed to be working up a CMA (comparative marketing analysis) for a client wanting to know the value of her home. She wants to sell in order to purchase a home where she can also care for her elderly mother. Nice, yes? I see more and more families combining households for one reason or another. I think it's great, family members helping one another. It certainly isn't for the faint of heart. But it does make financial sense in these days of increasing prices in all areas of our life. Combine buying power, resources. Oops, I got off on a tangent ...

I'm supposed to be working up a CMA, but the afternoon is quiet, temperature in Birch Bay is a pleasant 78-degrees, just a breath of a breeze stirring the wild grasses, blooming blackberry brambles and morning glories around the north end of the bay. It's just not a time to be in a hurry. It's a time to feel the hazy sunlight on my skin, listen to the rustling grasses, watch the eagles out on the tideflats, be aware of all the people across the bay at the state park. It's a lazy summer day.

I'll do the CMA tonight. Suki and I are heading out to the beach.

4th of July thoughts on 1st ...

I was going through my photo files and came across this bracelet I had beaded a while ago, and was struck by a similarity between this bracelet and Birch Bay. Since this miniscule community is only 5 minutes from our country’s border, it is home to red-white-blue Americans, red-white Canadians, a sprinkling of red-black-gold Germans, red-white-blue French, Dutch, a growing number of green-white-red Latinos, red-gold Chinese and quite a few light blue-yellow Ukrainians, to mention only a few. We really are a colorful mix right here in li’l ol’ Birch Bay.

As I look forward to our upcoming 4th of July celebration, celebration of our independence, I’m thankful for the multi-ethnic influences that are a part our community. The common thread that weaves us all together is our love for this humble little bay. There’s a kinship of families and individuals of all nationalities who have for many generations come and/or brought their families to enjoy the understated gifts of Birch Bay; a kinship that recognizes the desire in newcomers, that of looking for a connection with a slower pace, a closeness to nature, an inexplicable attraction to water.

Birch Bay isn’t fancy. Birch Bay isn’t touristy. Birch Bay just is where we all live and play!

Here’s to INDEPENDENCE in Birch Bay in so many wonderful hues of red, white, blue, yellow, green, purple, black, orange and teal!